Dean Ryan: Two latest signings are just what we want

SIXWAYS director of rugby Dean Ryan is delighted by the profile of his two latest Worcester recruits.

As revealed in today’s Worcester News, Warriors have signed Matt Cox and Ryan Mills from local rivals Gloucester for next season.

Former Cherry and Whites boss Ryan believes the two newcomers fit in well with his vision for the future of the club.

He said: “We’ve always spoken about the profile of people we want here next year and what we’re trying to do – both Ryan and Matt capture exactly what we’re trying to do.

“We are after talented players with something to prove. It’s slightly unique in Matt’s position as this is his home-town club, where he came from, and he is really passionate about trying to get the club back to the position he’d like it to be in.

“Ryan is part of a young group and is probably a little frustrated being trapped behind Billy Twelvetrees, but he’s a real talent.

“He came into the academy when I was at Gloucester and I’ve seen him play well. He’s a second distributor, can play a bit at 10 and has a good kicking game.”

Ryan added: “I can instantly see them in this team, what they can bring and their desire to be successful at this stage of their careers.

“I’m over the moon that we are able to capture two players of such ability but, more importantly, two players that have real choice.

“They weren’t in a situation where they had a difficult choice to make about where they’d go to play – they had plenty of options and I’m delighted they chose here.

“Players have to be really ambitious about what they want for their own careers and thy need to use this club as the vehicle for that, then everybody wins.

“I want to bring in a younger, English profile to be able to start the wheels of this club moving again and these two capture exactly that.”

Redditch-born Cox, who left Worcester for Gloucester in 2010, is excited by his Sixways return.

He said: “When Dean approached me and told me about his plans for my home-town club, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of.

“I worked closely with (Warriors head coach) Carl (Hogg) at Gloucester and, with those two at the helm, I believe the club will be successful in the future.

“With the likes of Chris Pennell and Alex Grove committing to the club, it is clear to see how much potential there is.”

Mills was part of the England under 20s Junior World Cup and Six Nations squads in 2011 and 2012, helping his country to Grand Slam success in the latter three years ago.

He added: “It’s been unfortunate that I haven't played as much for Gloucester as I would have liked due to a number of injuries. The opportunity to join Worcester was one I was keen to take.”

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